Mediterranean Rice Bowl
Need a fast, flavor-packed meal? This Simple Mediterranean Rice Bowl recipe comes together in only 5 minutes and uses fluffy Minute® Brown & Wild Rice Cups. Toss with cucumber, feta, and dill for a light, fresh meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 Minute Brown & Wild Rice cup
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta
- 1/4 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onions, diced (optional)
- 2 tbsp Greek salad dressing
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
Instructions
Step 1
Heat rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Combine rice, cucumber, feta, beans, red onion (if using), dressing and dill in a medium bowl. Toss well to combine.
Mediterranean Bowl in Minutes
When life feels nonstop, you need a meal that keeps up. Enter this simple Mediterranean rice bowl recipe — a five-minute fix that’s hearty, colorful, and endlessly adaptable. Using Minute Brown & Wild Rice Cups, canned garbanzo beans, and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have a bowl that works for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.
Think of it as your shortcut to feeling like you “actually cooked” without spending more than a few minutes in the kitchen. The rice heats in 60 seconds, the beans are ready straight from the can, and the rest is just a quick chop-and-toss. By the time your phone’s finished refreshing your feed, your meal is ready to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Flavorful
This recipe is built for busy days. With Minute rice, you can enjoy warm, fluffy grains in under a minute, layered with creamy beans, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta. A flavor-packed dish that’s faster than ordering delivery.
Balanced and Filling
Garbanzo beans and rice are a powerhouse combo. Together they bring protein, fiber, and slow-digesting carbs to keep you full and energized. Add a splash of Greek dressing and fresh dill, and you’ve got a bowl that feels bright and complete.
Why Garbanzo Beans and Rice Work Together
Garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) have been a staple for thousands of years. In this recipe, the nutty flavor of Minute Brown & Wild Rice balances the creaminess of garbanzo beans, while cucumber and feta bring brightness and tang. It’s a simple combo that’s stood the test of time, and now it’s ready in minutes.
Recipe Variations
Mediterranean Twist
Take this recipe even further by adding cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a pinch of oregano.
Plant-Based Option
Skip the feta or swap it with plant-based cheese crumbles.
Protein-Packed Version
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for extra staying power.
Spicy Upgrade
Mix in chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Mediterranean Rice Bowl Serving Suggestions
Solo Lunch
Perfect for a desk-friendly meal that’s quick, light, and satisfying.
Dinner Side Dish
Serve next to grilled chicken, fish, or kebabs for a balanced plate.
Meal Prep Bowls
Double or triple the recipe and portion into containers for grab-and-go meals.
Party-Ready Cups
Spoon into lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld appetizer.
Why Minute Rice Makes This Recipe Work
Convenience
Warm, fluffy rice in 60 seconds. No pots, no pans, no stress. Minute Rice Cups are microwave-ready, perfectly portioned, and designed for real life. That means you can go from zero to mealtime in under a minute, whether you’re at home, at work, or anywhere with a microwave.
Endless Flexibility
Minute Rice Cups are a blank canvas. This recipe proves how quickly you can go from plain grains to a craveable meal in minutes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Dry? Add more dressing or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Too Tangy? Crumble in extra feta or stir in a teaspoon of honey.
- Needs More Flavor? Try pairing this recipe with Minute Long Grain & Wild Seasoned Rice cups, which come packed with flavor
This simple garbanzo bean and rice recipe is a reminder that quick doesn’t have to mean boring. With Minute rice, canned garbanzo beans, and a few fresh mix-ins, you get a meal that’s balanced, customizable, and ready in five minutes flat. Whether it’s your go-to solo lunch, a reliable dinner side, or a meal-prep staple, this dish proves that convenience can also be crave-worthy.
Mediterranean Rice Bowl Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes. Garbanzo beans and chickpeas are the same thing — just different names. Drain and rinse before adding.
Can I swap feta for another cheese?
Definitely. Goat cheese, Parmesan, or plant-based crumbles all work.
Is this recipe better served warm or cold?
Both are great. Warm rice makes the feta creamier, while chilled rice gives you a crisp, refreshing bite.
How long does this recipe last in the fridge?
Up to 2 days in a sealed container.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes. Heat one Minute Rice Cup per serving and scale up the mix-ins to match.
